Discovery of Central India

To witness the medieval charisma of India, get on Central India tours. The beauty of Madhya Pradesh and the splendor of Chhattisgarh invite you to come and take a plunge into its varied heritage. Wildlife sanctuaries, tribal regions, luxury resorts, and ancient pilgrimage sites; indeed central India holidays offer to its visitors an assorted platter of attractions.

Central India boasts of housing in its midst the heritage capital of India. The architectural marvels housed in this area fascinate international guests too, who come here anticipating basking in the glory of the medieval wonders of India, and returning home truly satiated. Besides, this region is also popular for its temples and wide-ranging adventure activities. Discovery Central India travel packages are waiting to enthrall you completely.

Our Program

Day 01 Arrive Delhi

Arrive in India’s capital city New Delhi, where you are greeted with a traditional Indian welcome at the airport and escorted to your hotel. The remainder of this day is at your leisure. Overnight at to your hotel.

Day 02 Delhi

After breakfast at the hotel, our representative meets you at the hotel and will brief you on your entire itinerary/tour; and later will accompany you for a full day sightseeing tour of New & Old Delhi. You begin the tour with the visit of the Qutab Minar Complex, dominated by the 234-foot Victory Tower, followed by the spectacular Rajpath, passing the triumphant House of Parliament, Diplomatic Enclave, President’s House and the India gate & the famous Birla Mandir. Visit the great Red Fort which was the opulent residence of Shah Jehan, builder of the Taj Mahal and the magnificent Moti Masjid (Pearl Mosque) which dominates the skyline. You also visit the Raj Ghat– cremation site of Mahatma Gandhi, later walk through Chandi Chowk, the old marketplace of Shahjahanabad, now a picturesque bazaar. Later in the day, we take you to the main shopping areas in Delhi and then drop you back to the hotel for your overnight stay.

Day 03 Delhi – Varanasi

After breakfast, you are transferred to the airport for your flight to Varanasi (Benares). The land of Varanasi (Kashi) has been the ultimate pilgrimage spot for Hindus for ages. Often referred to as Benares, Varanasi is the oldest living city in the world. These few lines by Mark Twain say it all: “Benaras is older than history, older than tradition, older even than legend and looks twice as old as all of them put together”. Hindus believe that one who is graced to die on the land of Varanasi would attain salvation and freedom from the cycle of birth and re-birth. Abode of Lord Shiva and Parvati, the origins of Varanasi are yet unknown. The Ganges in Varanasi is believed to have the power to wash away the sins of mortals. Upon arrival in Varanasi, you are met and transferred to your hotel. Later in the afternoon, a walking tour of Varanasi. Since Varanasi is mainly associated with Hinduism, temples form the main attraction. The Ganga Ghats (river fronts) is the main center of religious activities and rituals and also form one of the main attractions of Varanasi. Some of the most important temples of Varanasi are Durga temple, Vishwanath temple, Sankat Mochan temple, Tulsi Manas temple, and the Bharat Mata temple. The Bharat Mata Temple houses a huge relief map of the whole of the Indian subcontinent and Tibetan plateau. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 04 Varanasi – Khajuraho

Early this morning embark on a boat cruise on the river Ganga. Return to hotel for breakfast. The riverfront, as seen from a boat, early in the morning, at sunrise, is a spiritually uplifting sight. Hinduism, deep and mystical, is everywhere. In a decorated doorway… in a glimpse of a glittering temple …in the sound of a sacred bell …the chant of the priests and the fragrance of flower oblations. This religious city is crowded with temples and its labyrinth of streets swelled with throngs of people. Multitudes of devotees come to the river to pay homage to the Sun God. Pass the bathing ghats where thousands of pilgrims immerse themselves in the holy water of the Ganges River, and the burning ghats where cremations are conducted. In the afternoon you are transferred to the airport for your flight to Khajuraho. Upon arrival, you are transferred to your hotel. Khajuraho was the religious and political capital of the Chandela Dynasty during the 9th to 13th centuries. Khajuraho is best known for its amazing Tantric temples built in the graceful Nagara style of architecture and enveloped with erotic sculptures – the oldest site of its kind in the world. Afternoon our representative will escort you on a sightseeing tour of Khajuraho. Visit the Western Group of temples, containing the largest and loveliest temples. Of this group, the Kandariya Mahadev temple dedicated to Shiva is the most perfect, and with its elaborate 31-meter high spire and bands of beautiful carving, it represents Chandela art at its best. It shares a high terrace with the older and simpler Devi Jagadamba temple. The less ornate Eastern Group reflects the austerity of the Jains. Return to hotel for overnight stay.

Day 05 Khajuraho – Bandhavgarh

After breakfast, you drive to Bandhavgarh which is located at a distance of 260 km and will take approximately 7 hours, upon arrival at Bandhavgarh, we check in at our resort. Bandhavgarh National Park is one of the wildlife sanctuaries in the Indian state Madhya Pradesh. This wildlife park derived its very name from an ancient fort in the area. Bandhavgarh National Park belongs to the Vindhyan mountain ranges of central India and it boasts to have the highest density of tiger population in the country. Overnight stay at your resort

Day 06 Bandhavgarh

Early morning you take an elephant ride into the park. The mahouts are the best naturalist one can ever ask for, since they have grown up in the jungle amongst the wilds. These elephants have a keen sense of tiger smell and lead you straight to these beautiful large cats. Return to your resort for breakfast. Rest of the morning is at leisure to explore the surrounding. This afternoon you embark on a jeep safari with your naturalist, to visit the park. Bandhavgarh is also blessed with a large variety of residents – both in terms of animals and birds. In the category of animals, it is possible to sight tigers, leopards, gaur (Indian Bison-although some say this is no longer seen), chital (spotted deer), Sambar deer, Dholes, nilgais, wild boars, chinkaras, sloth bears, rhesus macaques, black-faced langurs, jungle cats, hyenas, porcupines, jackals, foxes, wild dogs, Chausinghas and rates, among others. It is the density of its big cat population that has made Bandhavgarh really famous across the globe. Return to your resort for overnight.

Day 07 Bandhavgarh– Kanha

After breakfast, you drive to the neighboring Kanha National Park, situated at a distance of 240 km and will take approximately 6 hrs to reach. The picturesque Kanha National Park was the inspiration behind Rudyard Kipling’s unforgettable classic Jungle Book. The romance of the Kanha National Park has not reduced over time – though it is still as beautiful. If one were to point to the middle of India, chances are he will pick out the forests of the Banjar and the Halon valley, the two forming the western and eastern halves of the Kanha Tiger Reserve, which have long been famous for their wide diversity of wildlife. By far the most striking features of this region are the open grassy meadows, where sighting blackbuck, swamp deer, sambhar, and chital is common. And, if one can transcend into time, a barefooted Mowgli would perhaps come padding along the dusty trail, for this is the land of Kipling’s Jungle Book Upon reaching Kanha, you check in to our resort for overnight.

Day 08 Kanha

Early morning you go with your naturalist on a jeep safari to visit the park. Return to your resort for breakfast. Morning is at leisure to explore the surroundings. In the afternoon, proceed on another Jeep safari into the park. Return in the evening to resort for overnight stay.

Day 09 Kanha – Jabalpur – Agra

After an early morning game view with your naturalist, return to your resort for breakfast. Followed by a drive to Jabalpur railway station, located 170 km from the park and will take 4 hours to reach. Upon arrival at Jabalpur, you board a superfast sleeper Express train for Agra. Tonight, you spend on board the train in the comfort of an airconditioned sleeper coach.

Day 10 Agra

You arrive this morning at Agra and are escorted to your hotel. After freshening up and breakfast, our representative meets you and accompanies you to visit the 16thcentury Agra Fort and the Taj Mahal. Explore the 16th century Agra Fort, the seat of the Mughal dynasty in the 16th century. It lies on the bend of the River Yamuna, almost in the heart of the town. Akbar built it as his citadel over the year 1565-73 in the finest architectural style. It has imposing gates and walls red sandstone and a moat. Followed by a visit to the magnificent Taj Mahal, this incredible lacy white grandeur built by Emperor Shahjehan in memory of his loving wife Mumtaz Mahal, the “lady of the Taj”. It has been described, as the most extravagant monument ever built for love for the emperor was heartbroken when his wife Mumtaz died. The Taj Mahal has recently been immortalized by the inclusion as one of the “Seven Wonders of the World”. Later you drive back to your hotel for an overnight stay.

Day 11 Agra – Jaipur

After breakfast, this morning you drive to Jaipur, at a distance of 202 km and a driving time of 4 hrs, en route you visit the last capital of the Mughal Empire – Fatehpur Sikri. It comprises the remains of the new capital that Mughal Emperor Akbar built for himself in the Year 1570, though deserted it after 15 Years due to the shortage of water in the area. Predominantly red sandstone buildings remind one of the the great emperor’s vision to include both Hindu and Muslim styles into all architecture Continue your drive to Jaipur. Upon arrival, you check into your hotel. Jaipur is the center of many traditional art, crafts, jewellery and handicrafts. The Bazaars in Jaipur are mostly located within the old walled city area and are open on all days. Most of the tourist attractions are situated very close to the market area in Jaipur. Overnight is at the hotel.

Day 12 Jaipur

Today early morning our representative will accompany you on an excursion to Amber Fort. You will have a unique experience of riding a caparisoned elephant from the foothill to the ramparts of the ancient fort. Once inside we explore the Palace of Mirrors, inlaid with millions of tiny glistening mirrors, the hall of Public Audience and the beautifully manicured gardens. We drive back to your hotel for breakfast and relaxation. Later in the afternoon, our representative will pick you up from your hotel and escort you for a tour of the old city of Jaipur. Visit the Hawa Mahal or “Palace of Winds,” Jaipur’s central landmark, an extraordinary façade of multiple airy windows used by the court ladies to watch the outside activities without being seen. Explore the City Palace, characterized by balconies, tiny windows, cupolas, courtyards, and arched entrances. It now houses an excellent collection of Rajasthani costumes, miniatures and an armory of weapons. Drive back to your hotel for your overnight stay.

Day 13 Jaipur – Delhi – Onward Journey

After breakfast, the morning is at leisure. Later in the afternoon, you drive to Delhi which is 262 km and will take approx. 6 hours. Upon arrival, you will be taken to the International airport for your onward journey.

Important notes

Inclusion:

  • All sightseeing program as per the itinerary.
  • All transfers, sightseeing & excursions will be by an AC Vehicle.
  • Services of an English speaking local guide for the monuments as per the program.
  • All entrances to the monuments and activities as per the program.
  • Road taxes, parking fee, fuel charges and interstate taxes as per the program.
  • Mineral water bottles in the vehicle [02 bottles each day]s
  • Wet tissues places in the vehicle for the entire tour.
  • Representative for assistance on all arrival and departure transfers with meet and Assist.
  • All currently applicable taxes, including, GST of 5% applicable on total invoice amount

Little gifts from Travel East:

  • Departure Gift.
  • Free WIFI in Vehicles.

Exclusion:

  •  Expenses of personal nature like tipping, laundry, telephone / fax calls, alcoholic beverages, Camera /video camera fees at monuments, medical expenses, airport departure taxes, etc.
  • Any meals, other than those specified above.
  • Any meals other than specified in the quote-supplement mentioned above.
  • Any insurance
  • Any visa fees
  • Any optional activities
  • Any optional activities as mentioned in the program
  • Domestic air-fare.
  • Any other services not mentioned in the inclusion
  • Any additional transfers
  • Early Check-In/Late Check Out
  • Any Tips / Porter charges

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Tour Map

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

  • Early morning boat cruise on the river Ganga.
  • Visit of Eastern and Western Group of temples of Khajuraho
  • Morning and afternoon jeep safari with your naturalist, to visit the Bandavgarh national park.
  • Morning and afternoon jeep safari with your naturalist, to visit the Kanha national park.
  • Visit to the magnificent Taj Mahal, one of the “Seven Wonders of the World”
  • Unique experience of riding a caparisoned elephant from the foothill to the ramparts of the Amber fort in Jaipur.

Tour Map

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

  • Early morning boat cruise on the river Ganga.
  • Visit of Eastern and Western Group of temples of Khajuraho
  • Morning and afternoon jeep safari with your naturalist, to visit the Bandavgarh national park.
  • Morning and afternoon jeep safari with your naturalist, to visit the Kanha national park.
  • Visit to the magnificent Taj Mahal, one of the “Seven Wonders of the World”
  • Unique experience of riding a caparisoned elephant from the foothill to the ramparts of the Amber fort in Jaipur.